Quai d'Orsay
Quai d'Orsay is an active Cuban cigar brand owned by Habanos S.A., founded in 1973 and originally developed specifically for the French market. Known for its light strength and elegant profile, the house produces both a classic core range and a modern portfolio that has broadened its global appeal. Today, it remains a reference point for collectors seeking a milder, refined Habano that rewards careful resting.
Quai d'Orsay: Corona Claro
History and the French Connection
The brand takes its name from the Quai d'Orsay avenue in Paris, reflecting its initial purpose as an exclusive release for France. Introduced to the market in 1974, the early cigars were designed to pair with French lifestyle preferences, offering an elegant alternative to the heavier output of other Cuban houses. The blend is distinctly light in strength, providing a subtle and nuanced smoking profile. For decades, it maintained a quiet reputation among European connoisseurs who appreciated this delicate approach.
The Core Range and Modern Portfolio
The house divides its regular production into the classic Core Range, which debuted in 1974, and the Modern Portfolio, introduced in 2017 during a major brand refresh. The historical anchor of the brand is the Coronas Claro, a traditional Coronas vitola measuring 142mm by a 42 ring gauge. It embodies the original light profile and is presented in either classic 25-count dress boxes or cardboard packs of five.
In 2017, Habanos S.A. expanded the house to meet contemporary preferences for thicker ring gauges. This shift brought the No.50 and No.54 into regular production. The No.50 is a D No.5 vitola at 110mm by 50, while the No.54 is an Edmundo Grueso measuring 135mm by 54. Both are available in 25-count dress boxes, with the No.50 also offered in five-count packs.
Further additions followed the initial refresh to solidify the brand's new format. This included the 156mm by 52 No.52 (Lanzas) in 2021, and the Especial d'Orsay (Sobresalientes), a 153mm by 53 robusto extra, introduced in 2024. These newer vitolas maintain the hallmark light strength while delivering a substantial smoking time.
Quai d'Orsay: No 54
Limited Editions and Regional Releases
Beyond regular production, Quai d'Orsay is frequently selected for special and limited productions. The house has featured in the Edición Limitada series, notably with the Senadores in 2019. It is also a popular choice for Edición Regional releases, producing sought-after cigars such as the Selection Royale for Switzerland and the Baalbeck for Lebanon. Collectors also seek out anniversary cigars, such as the Especial d'Orsay 50th Anniversary, and special packaging formats like the Imperiales Travel Humidor.
Buying and Collecting Quai d'Orsay
When purchasing Quai d'Orsay for long-term storage, collectors should closely inspect the box codes. Because these cigars are blended to a light strength, they demand careful storage to preserve their delicate profile without losing character. They perform well when laid down for five to eight years in stable humidor conditions, allowing the tobacco to integrate fully.
For buyers in the United Kingdom, verifying the English Market Selection (EMS) stamp provides assurance of proper importation, duty payment, and quality control. Given the brand's rising popularity following the 2017 modern portfolio expansion, it is prudent to familiarise oneself with how to spot fake Cuban cigars. Authentic boxes will always display impeccable printing, accurate factory stamps, and the standard Habanos warranty seals.
Quai d'Orsay Vitola Specifications
Coronas Claro — Line: Core Range — Vitola de Galera: Coronas — Length (mm): 142 — Length (inches): 5.59 — Ring Gauge: 42 — Strength: Light
No.50 — Line: Modern Portfolio — Vitola de Galera: D No.5 — Length (mm): 110 — Length (inches): 4.33 — Ring Gauge: 50 — Strength: Light
No.54 — Line: Modern Portfolio — Vitola de Galera: Edmundo Grueso — Length (mm): 135 — Length (inches): 5.31 — Ring Gauge: 54 — Strength: Light
Especial d'Orsay — Line: Modern Portfolio — Vitola de Galera: Sobresalientes — Length (mm): 153 — Length (inches): 6.02 — Ring Gauge: 53 — Strength: Light
No.52 — Line: Modern Portfolio — Vitola de Galera: Lanzas — Length (mm): 156 — Length (inches): 6.14 — Ring Gauge: 52 — Strength: Light
At MokaCigar
At MokaCigar, we carefully source and inspect all Habanos before they enter our climate-controlled keeps. Our current inventory includes regular production vitolas such as the No.50, No.52, No.54, and the classic Coronas Claro. We also hold rare releases, including the Senadores Limited Edition 2019, the Imperiales Travel Humidor, the Selection Royale ER Switzerland, the Baalbeck Regional Lebanon, and the Especial d'Orsay 50th Anniversary. To view our available stock and verify box dates, visit our Quai d'Orsay page.
In our cellar
In stock now:
Sold-out archive (4 releases, enquiries welcome): Quai D Orsay Baalbeck Regional Lebanon, Quai D'Orsay Coronas Claro, Quai d’Orsay Especial d’Orsay 50th Anniversary, Quai d’orsay Selection Royale ER Switzerland.